Rubio: Iran deal must not contradict interests of US partners

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that any decisions regarding a potential Iran deal must not contradict the interests of Washington's partners and allies in the Gulf region, emphasizing that regional security remains paramount to ongoing negotiations. Speaking during a meeting with foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states in Manama, Rubio stressed that Washington wants to ensure regional allies' interests are always taken into account throughout the negotiating process.

"We want to ensure that any decisions that are made throughout this negotiating process, the interest of our partners and our allies in the region are always taken into account," Rubio said. He added that the US seeks peace in the region as it enters a new diplomatic phase, noting that Washington desires a future where regional actors focus on economic prosperity rather than confrontation.

Security commitments

Rubio emphasized that no part of any potential deal would undermine the stability or prosperity of Gulf partners, identifying this commitment as the core purpose of his visit to Bahrain. "There is no part of this deal that's undertaken that in any way undermines the security, the stability, or the prosperity of any of our partners in the Gulf region, and that is at the core of my visit here today," he stated.

Deal conditions

The secretary expressed hopes for a "very positive outcome" from the negotiations, noting that Washington stands ready to work with Tehran if Iranian leaders prioritize the well-being of their own citizens. "We want a deal that's good, we want a deal that's real, we want a deal that's verifiable, and we want a deal that's adhered to," Rubio stressed during the ministerial gathering in Manama.